Vehicular software update apparatus

ABSTRACT

A vehicular software update apparatus is used to a vehicle to update software stored in an electronic control unit mounted on the vehicle. The vehicular software update apparatus includes a low power communication device configured to perform a wide area wireless communication with a low power consumption. The low power communication device is operated in an update confirmation state including a state where neither power generation in the vehicle nor power supplying to the vehicle is performed, and is caused to download software update information which is information necessary to update the software, when the software update information, is provided by the server.

CROSS REFERENCE RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority from JapanesePatent Application No. 2018-155779 filed on Aug. 22, 2018. The entiredisclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vehicular software update apparatus,and more particularly to a technology for reducing the restriction onupdating software.

BACKGROUND

In order to control an engine, a transmission, an air conditioner, etc.,many ECUs (Electronic Control Units) are mounted in a motor vehicle. Inrecent years, there has been a demand for implementation of a functionof constantly updating firmware stored in an ECU to the latest versionby wireless communication. This function is called FOTA (FirmwareOn-The-Air). Such ECU firmware has become increasingly complex and largein data volume in recent years.

SUMMARY

According to an example of the present disclosure, a vehicular softwareupdate apparatus is used to a vehicle to update software stored in anelectronic control unit mounted on the vehicle. The vehicular softwareupdate apparatus includes a low power communication device configured toperform a wide area wireless communication with a low power consumption.The low power communication device is operated in an update confirmationstate including a state where neither power generation in the vehiclenor power supplying to the vehicle is performed, and is caused todownload software update information which is information necessary toupdate the software, when the software update information is provided bythe server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description made withreference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a firmware update system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an LPWA(Low Power Wide Area) communication unit;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a frame format of FOTA request information;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an FW (Firm Ware)update information processor unit for LPWA and an FW download processorunit for LPWA;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an FW downloadprocessor unit for TCU (not for LPWA);

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an FW downloadprocessor unit for LPWA;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an FW updateinformation processor unit for TCU (not for LPWA) and an FW downloadprocessor unit for TCU (not for LPWA);

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing different from FIG. 4 which isexecuted by an FW update information processor unit for LPWA;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an FW updateinformation processor unit for LPWA and an FW download processor unitfor LPWA, according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an FW downloadprocessor unit for TCU (not for LPWA) according to the secondembodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an FW updateinformation processor unit for LPWA and an FW download processor unitfor LPWA, according to a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Embodiment

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to thedrawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a firmwareupdating system F by wireless communication. The firmware updatingsystem F updates firmware, which is an example of software.

[Configuration Overview of Firmware Update System F]

The firmware update system F includes (i) a server 2 and (ii) a TCU(Telematics Control Unit) 11 mounted on a vehicle 1. Although only onevehicle 1 carrying the TCU 11 is shown in FIG. 1, the TCU 11 is mountedon each of a plurality of vehicles 1.

The vehicle 1 is not particularly limited as long as the TCU 11 can bemounted. Therefore, the driving power source of the vehicle 1 is alsonot particularly limited; the driving power source may be an engine, amotor, or an engine and a motor. However, in the first embodiment andthe second embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is provided withan engine, the engine can generate power by driving a generator, and thepower to the vehicle cannot be supplied from the outside of the vehicle1.

The server 2 and the TCU 11 can communicate with each other using apublic wireless system. The public wireless system includes a publiccommunication network 3, an LPWA base station 4, a 3G/LTE base station5, and a WLAN access point 6. The LPWA base station 4, the 3G/LTE basestation 5, and the WLAN access point 6 are connected to the publiccommunication network 3 by wire or wireless, and communicate with othercommunication devices connected to the public communication network 3. Asingle LPWA base station 4, a single 3G/LTE base station 5, and a singleWLAN access point 6 are shown in FIG. 1. However, the firmware updatesystem F includes a plurality of LPWA base stations 4, a plurality of3G/LTE base stations 5, and a plurality of WLAN access points 6.

The server 2 is also connected to the public communication network 3.Also, if the TCU 11 is within the communication range of each of LPWAbase station 4, 3G/LTE base station 5 and WLAN access point 6, wirelesscommunication can be performed with the LPWA base station 4, the 3G/LTEbase station 5, and the WLAN access point 6, individually. Thus, theserver 2 and the TCU 11 can communicate with each other using a publicwireless system.

The LPWA base station 4 is a base station that communicates with thecommunication device by the LPWA communication system, which is lowpower consumption wide area wireless communication. The LPWA means LowPower Wide Area, and the LPWA communication system is a communicationsystem with low power consumption and a long communication distance. Thepower consumption of the communication device when communicating by theLPWA communication system is lower than the power consumption whenperforming data communication with the 3G/LTE base station 5 by themobile phone. The power consumption of the communication device whencommunicating by the LPWA communication system is 1 W or less, forexample. Further, the communication distance when communicating by theLPWA communication system is 1 km or more, for example, or is 10 km ormore in a certain system. The specific communication system classifiedas LPWA may be LTE-M, NB-IoT, etc. using a band requiring a license, ora system using a band not requiring a license. Examples of systems thatuse unlicensed bands include SIGFOX (registered trademark), LoRa(registered trademark), Wi-FiHaLow, Wi-SUN, RPMA (registered trademark),and IM 920.

The 3G/LTE base station 5 is a base station that communicates with thecommunication device by the 3G communication system and the LTEcommunication system. The 3G communication system is a communicationsystem used in the 3rd generation mobile communication system. LTE (LongTerm Evolution) is a communication system used in the 3.9th generationor 4th generation mobile communication system. Both 3G and LTE arecommunication standards for voice and data communications in mobilephones.

The WLAN access point 6 is an access point of WLAN (Wireless LAN). WLANis a local area network formed by wireless communication. Thecommunication system used in WLAN may be wireless communication that canform a LAN, and can be, for example, a communication system compliantwith the IEEE 802.11 standard.

In the vehicle 1, in addition to the TCU 11, a plurality of various ECUs12 a, 12 b, 12 c, . . . 12 n are mounted. The plurality of ECUs 12 a, 12b, 12 c, . . . 12 n are electronic control units (ECUs) that controlelectronic control target devices such as an engine, a transmission, andan air conditioner mounted on the vehicle 1. When the plurality of ECUs12 a, 12 b, 12 c are not described in specific, they are referred to asan ECU 12. In the ECU 12, the firmware determined according to thecontrol target is stored in a storage medium included in the ECU 12.This storage medium is rewritable, and the firmware is updatable.

The ECU 12 and the TCU 11 are communicably connected to each other bythe in-vehicle LAN 16. The TCU 11 is a communication device capable ofLPWA communication, 3G/LTE communication, and WLAN communication. TheTCU 11 has a function as a vehicular software update apparatus for avehicle, communicates with the server 2 by any of LPWA communication,3G/LTE communication, and WLAN communication, and downloads a firmwareupdate program from the server 2.

The firmware update program is a program for updating the firmwarestored in the ECU 12, and may be the whole firmware of a new version ora program for rewriting a part of the firmware of the old version. Thefirmware update program is an example of a software update program.

[Configuration of TCU 11]

Next, the configuration of the TCU 11 will be described. The TCU 11includes a backup battery 21, an LPWA communication unit 22, a 3G/LTEcommunication unit 23, a WLAN communication unit 24, an FW temporarystorage unit 25 (which is also referred to as an FW temporary storageunit for TCU), an FW update information processor unit 26 (which is alsoreferred to as an FW update information processor unit for TCU), and anFW download processor unit 27 (which is also referred to as an FWdownload processor unit for TCU).

The backup battery 21 is a battery for operating the TCU 11 even whenpower supply from the main battery provided in the vehicle 1 is notperformed. The backup battery 21 is provided separately from the mainbattery in order to notify the help center or the like of an emergencystate in an emergency. Further, in the present embodiment, in additionto the notification at the time of emergency, the backup battery 21supplies power to the LPWA communication unit 22 included in the TCU 11.The backup battery 21 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery.

The main battery provided in the vehicle 1 supplies power to the TCU 11when the power supply position of the vehicle 1 is in the on position.On the other hand, when the power supply position of the vehicle 1 is inthe accessory position or in the off position, the power is not suppliedfrom the main battery to the TCU 11.

When the power supply position is the accessory position and the offposition, the vehicle 1 does not drive the engine. Therefore, when thepower supply position is the accessory position and the off position,the power generation by the vehicle 1 is not performed. In such a case,when the TCU 11 is operated by supplying power from the main battery,the voltage of the main battery may decrease, which may make itimpossible to start the engine or the like. When the power supplyposition is in the on position, power generation by the engine ispossible. When the voltage of the main battery decreases, the enginedrives a generator to generate power, and the generated power chargesthe main battery.

The power supply position may be switched by an ignition switch. Whenthe power supply position is switched by the ignition switch, the powersupply position comes to be in the on position with the ignition on.

The LPWA communication unit 22 is a communication unit that performswireless communication with the LPWA base station 4 by the LPWAcommunication system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internalconfiguration of the LPWA communication unit 22. As shown in FIG. 2, theLPWA communication unit 22 includes an LPWA communication module 2201,an FW temporary storage unit 2202 (which is also referred to as an FWtemporary storage unit for LPWA), an FW update information processorunit 2203 (which is also referred to as an FW update informationprocessor unit for LPWA), and an FW download processor unit 2204 (whichis also referred to as an FW download processor unit for LPWA).

The LPWA communication module 2201 is a wireless circuit part thatperforms signal modulation, demodulation, amplification, and the likewhen performing wireless communication with the LPWA base station 4 bythe LPWA communication system.

The FW temporary storage unit 2202 is a storage unit that temporarilystores the firmware downloaded from the server 2 using the LPWAcommunication module 2201. For example, a flash memory can be used asthis storage unit.

As one of examples, in the present embodiment, the FW update informationprocessor unit 2203 and the FW download processor unit 2204 describednext are realized by a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I/O,and a bus line connecting these components. The ROM stores a program forcausing a general purpose computer to function as the FW updateinformation processor unit 2203 and the FW download processor unit 2204.The computer functions as the FW update information processor unit 2203and the FW download processor unit 2204 by the CPU executing the programstored in the ROM while using the temporary storage function of the RAM.When these functions are executed, a method corresponding to the programis executed.

Note that the storage medium for storing the program executed by the CPUis not limited to the ROM, as long as it is stored in a computerreadable non-transitory tangible storage medium. For example, theprogram may be stored in a flash memory. In addition, part or all of thefunctions of each of the FW update information processor unit 2203 andthe FW download processor unit 2204 may be realized using one or moreICs (in other words, as hardware circuits). Further, part or all of thefunctions of each of the FW update information processor unit 2203 andthe FW download processor unit 2204 may be realized by a combination ofsoftware execution by the CPU and hardware circuits. That is, anindividual one of the FW update information processor unit 2203 and theFW download processor unit 2204 may be configured to include (i) ahardware circuit, or (ii) a central processing unit (CPU) along withmemory storing instructions executed by the CPU, or (iii) both thehardware circuit and the CPU along with memory.

The FW update information processor unit 2203, which is an example of anupdate information processor unit, operates the LPWA communicationmodule 2201 to communicate with the server 2. If the server 2 cantransmit FOTA request information, the LPWA communication module 2201 isoperated to communicate with the server 2 so that the LPWA communicationmodule 2201 downloads the FOTA request information from the server 2.

The FOTA request information is information requesting to update thefirmware by wireless communication. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, theFOTA request information is information including an ECU-ID, a firmwareversion, a firmware size, and a checksum. In FIG. 3, the firmwareversion is described as FW VERSION, the firmware size is described as FWSIZE, and the checksum is described as CHECKSUM.

The ECU-ID is an ID for identifying the ECU 12 that updates thefirmware. The firmware version is the version of the newly providedfirmware. The firmware size is the data size of the firmware updateprogram that requests download.

Based on the ECU-ID and the firmware version included in the FOTArequest information, the TCU 11 checks the version of the firmwarestored in the ECU 12 specified by the ECU-ID, and determines thefirmware update necessity. Also, based on the firmware size included inthe FOTA request information, the TCU 11 can determine the method ofdownloading the firmware update program. In other words, the FOTArequest information is information indicating the contents necessary toupdate the firmware. The FOTA request information is an example ofsoftware update information.

The FW download processor unit 2204, which is an example of the softwaredownload processor unit, executes processing related to downloading offirmware, which is determined based on the FOTA request information.Specifically, this processing includes the processing of determiningwhether or not to download the firmware, determining the communicationunit to be used for downloading the firmware, and downloading thefirmware using the determined communication unit. Also, the processingmay include the processing of determining when to start downloading thefirmware. The contents of the processing executed by the FW downloadprocessor unit 2204 will be described in detail using the flowcharts ofFIG. 4 and subsequent drawings.

Return to the description of FIG. 1. The 3G/LTE communication unit 23 isa communication unit that communicates with the 3G/LTE base station 5 inthe 3G communication system and the LTE communication system. Ifcommunication is possible with only one of the 3G communication systemand the LTE communication system due to a radio wave environment or thelike, communication is performed using the communication system on thecommunicable side. If both the 3G communication system and the LTEcommunication system can be used for communication, communication isperformed using a predetermined communication system (for example, theLTE communication system).

The 3G communication system and the LTE communication system performedby the TCU 11 are the same as the communication system for datacommunication by the mobile phone. The LPWA communication systemperformed by the LPWA communication unit 22 is a communication systemthat consumes less power than the 3G communication system and the LTEcommunication system. In addition, the LPWA communication system is acommunication system with low power consumption as compared with thecommunication system used in the WLAN communication unit 24. Thus, theLPWA communication unit 22 is an example of a low power communicationdevice. In contrast, each of the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 and theWLAN communication unit 24 may be an example of a high powercommunication device.

On the other hand, although the power consumption of the 3G/LTEcommunication unit 23 and the WLAN communication unit 24 is higher thanthat of the LPWA communication unit 22, the communication speed of the3G/LTE communication unit 23 and the WLAN communication unit 24 at thetime of data communication is higher than that of the LPWA communicationunit 22. The 3G/LTE communication unit 23 and the WLAN communicationunit 24 are examples of high speed communication devices. In contrast,the LPWA communication unit 22 may be an example of a low speedcommunication device.

The WLAN communication unit 24 communicates with the WLAN access point 6by, for example, a communication system based on the IEEE 802.11standard. The FW temporary storage unit 25 is a storage unit thattemporarily stores firmware downloaded from the server 2 using the3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24. Forexample, a flash memory can be used as this storage unit.

The FW update information processor unit 26 and the FW downloadprocessor unit 27 operate when power is supplied from the main battery.At the start of operation of the FW update information processor unit26, the FOTA request information may have been acquired by the LPWAcommunication unit 22. In this case, the FW update information processorunit 26 acquires the FOTA request information from the FW updateinformation processor unit 2203 included in the LPWA communication unit22. Further, when the power supply from the main battery is ended whiledownloading the firmware update program, the FW update informationprocessor unit 26 copies the FOTA request information and the firmwareupdate program in the middle of the download, to the LPWA communicationunit 22. Note that the FW update information processor unit 26 and theFW update information processor unit 2203 may be provided to beintegrated with each other as a single FW update information processorunit 26, 2203.

The processing executed by the FW download processor unit 27 is the sameas the FW download processor unit 2204 except that the communicationunit used for communication with the server 2 is different. Therefore,the FW download processor unit 27 is also an example of a softwaredownload processor unit. Note that the FW download processor unit 27 andthe FW download processor unit 2204 may be provided to be integratedwith each other as a single FW download processor unit 27, 2204.Further, an individual one of the FW update information processor unit26 and the FW download processor unit 27 may be configured to include(i) a hardware circuit, or (ii) a central processing unit (CPU) alongwith memory storing instructions executed by the CPU, or (iii) both thehardware circuit and the CPU along with memory. As one of examples, inthe present embodiment, each of the FW update information processor unit26 and the FW download processor unit 27 is realized by a computerprovided with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I/O, a bus line connecting thesecomponents, and the like.

[Processing to Download Firmware]

Next, the processing in which the TCU 11 downloads firmware will bedescribed. In an update confirmation state, the TCU 11 repeatedlycommunicates with the server 2 by the LPWA communication unit 22 andconfirms whether the server 2 has FOTA request information.

The frequency of confirming whether the server 2 has the FOTA requestinformation is, for example, a fixed cycle, and does not depend onwhether power is supplied from the main battery. That is, the updateconfirmation state includes a state in which power is not supplied fromthe main battery to the TCU 11, When the power supply position is in theoff position, no power is supplied to the TCU 11 from the main battery.At this time, since the engine is stopped, power generation in thevehicle 1 is not performed. In the state where power is not suppliedfrom the main battery, the TCU 11 is supplied with power from the backupbattery 21.

The confirmation processing for confirming whether the server 2 has theFOTA request information is executed by either the FW update informationprocessor unit 26 or the FW update information processor unit 2203. Thatis, in the state where power is supplied from the main battery, the FWupdate information processor unit 26 executes the confirmationprocessing; in the state where power is supplied from the backup battery21, the FW update information processor unit 2203 executes theconfirmation processing. However, even when power is supplied from themain battery, the FW update information processor unit 2203 may executethis confirmation processing.

When the power of the backup battery 21 is used, the power of the backupbattery 21 is reduced at the time of notification of an emergency statewhich is one of the purposes for which the backup battery 21 isprovided. It is thus concerned that the notification of the emergencystate cannot be made. However, since the backup battery 21 is limited toonly supplying power to the LPWA communication unit 22 which consumeslow power, the power reduction of the backup battery 21 is suppressed.

Further, when power is supplied from the main battery, theabove-mentioned confirmation processing can also be performed using the3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24. However,in order to avoid the processing becoming complicated, in the presentembodiment, the LPWA communication unit 22 is used to confirm whetherFOTA request information is present in the server 2, regardless ofwhether the power is supplied from the main battery or not.

[Download Processing Example 1]

FIG. 4 shows the processing which is executed by the FW updateinformation processor unit 2203 and the FW download processor unit 2204in the LPWA communication unit 22 when the server 2 has the FOTA requestinformation under the state where the power is not supplied from themain battery. Among the processing shown in FIG. 4, the FW updateinformation processor unit 2203 executes S1 to S4, and the FW downloadprocessor unit 2204 executes S5 to S10.

In S1 in FIG. 4, the LPWA communication module 2201 receives FOTArequest information. In S2, the ECU-ID, the firmware version, and thefirmware size included in the FOTA request information received in S1are confirmed. In S3, the FOTA request information received in S1 iswritten to the FW temporary storage unit 2202.

In S4, the communication time required when downloading the firmwareusing the LPWA communication unit 22 is calculated. In this calculation,the communication speed when the LPWA communication unit 22 and the LPWAbase station 4 communicate with each other is a predetermined constantvalue.

By comparing the ECU-ID and the firmware version included in the FOTArequest information with the ID of the ECU 12 and the firmware versionstored in the ECU 12, it is possible to determine a firmware updateprogram that needs to be downloaded. Then, by dividing the size of thefirmware update program that needs to be downloaded by the communicationspeed of the LPWA communication unit 22, the communication time requiredfor the download can be calculated.

In S5, a notification is transmitted from the LPWA communication module2201 to the server 2; such a notification indicates that the firmwareupdate program is to be downloaded by the LPWA communication unit 22.

In S6, the download of the firmware update program is started using theLPWA communication module 2201; then, in S7, the firmware update programis received. In S8, the firmware update program received in S7 iswritten to the FW temporary storage unit 2202.

In S9, it is determined whether the download of the firmware updateprogram has been completed. If the determination in S9 is NO, theprocessing proceeds to S10. In S10, it is determined whether high speedcommunication has become possible. Specifically, high speedcommunication is communication using either the 3G/LTE communicationunit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24. In order to energize the3G/LTE communication unit 23 and the WLAN communication unit 24, thepower supply position needs to be in the on position. For example, whenthe engine is driven, the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 and the WLANcommunication unit 24 are energized. Then, if the 3G/LTE communicationunit 23 can communicate with the 3G/LTE base station 5, it is determinedthat high speed communication is possible. Further, it is determinedthat the WLAN communication unit 24 can communicate with the WLAN accesspoint 6.

If the determination in S10 is NO, the processing returns to S7 and thedownload of the firmware update program is continued. If thedetermination in S9 is YES while the processing in S7 to S10 arerepeated, the processing in FIG. 4 is ended. In this case, the firmwareupdate program stored in the FW temporary storage unit 2202 in the LPWAcommunication unit 22 is written to the ECU 12 by executing theprocessing shown in FIG. 5 described below. In addition, if thedetermination in S10 is YES while the process from S7 to S10 isrepeated, the processing proceeds to FIG. 6.

First, FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is processing executed by the FWdownload processor unit 27. The FW download processor unit 27, which isan element other than the LPWA communication unit 22 in the TCU 11, isactivated when the power supply position of the vehicle 1 becomes the onposition, and executes the processing in FIG. 5.

In S11, it is determined whether the firmware update program is storedin the FW temporary storage unit 2202. If this determination is NO, theprocessing in FIG. 5 is ended. On the other hand, if the determinationat S11 is YES, the processing proceeds to S12. In S12, the firmwareupdate program stored in the FW temporary storage unit 2202 included inthe LPWA communication unit 22 is written in the FW temporary storageunit 25. After that, the firmware update program is erased from the FWtemporary storage unit 2202. At S13, the firmware update program iswritten to the ECU 12 determined by the ECU-ID.

Next, FIG. 6 executed when the determination in S10 in FIG. 4 is YESwill be described. The processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the FWupdate information processor unit 2203. In FIG. 6, in S21, the FOTArequest information stored in the FW temporary storage unit 2202 in S3is written in the FW temporary storage unit 25. In addition, thefirmware update program in the middle of downloading written in S8 isalso written to the FW temporary storage unit 25.

In subsequent S22, the server 2 is notified that the communication unitfor downloading the firmware update program is to be switched to the3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24. Whenboth the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 and the WLAN communication unit 24can communicate, the server 2 is notified of switching to apredetermined side (for example, the WLAN communication unit 24).

FIG. 7 shows processing executed by the FW update information processorunit 26 and the FW download processor unit 27 when the FW updateinformation processor unit 2203 executes the processing shown in FIG. 6.In FIG. 7, the FW download processor unit 27 executes S31 to S36, andthe FW update information processor unit 26 executes S37 and S38.

In S31, the download of the firmware update program is started using the3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24. Thefirmware update program to be downloaded is the part excluding the partalready downloaded by the LPWA communication unit 22.

In S32, the firmware update program is received. In S33, the firmwareupdate program received in S7 is written to the FW temporary storageunit 25.

In S34, it is determined whether the download of the firmware updateprogram has been completed. When the determination in S34 is YES, theprocess proceeds to S35. In S35, the firmware update program is writtento the ECU 12 determined by the ECU-ID.

When the determination in S34 is NO, the processing proceeds to S36. InS36, it is determined whether the power supply position has become theoff position. If the determination in S36 is NO, the processing returnsto S32, and the download of the firmware update program is continuedusing the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit24.

If the determination in S36 is YES, the processing proceeds to S37. InS37, the FOTA request information stored in the FW temporary storageunit 25 is written to the FW temporary storage unit 2202. In addition,the firmware update program in the middle of downloading, which isrepeatedly written in S22, is also written to the FW temporary storageunit 2202.

In S38, the server 2 is notified that the communication unit fordownloading the firmware update program should be switched to the LPWAcommunication unit 22. Thereafter, S6 and subsequent processing in FIG.4 are executed to continue downloading the part of the firmware updateprogram that has not been downloaded yet.

Suppose a case where communication with the 3G/LTE communication unit 23or the WLAN communication unit 24 becomes possible again due toresumption of vehicle travel after switching the communication unit fordownloading the firmware update program to the LPWA communication unit22. In such a case, the determination in S10 becomes YES. Therefore, thecommunication unit that downloads the firmware update program returns tothe 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24.

[Download Processing Example 2]

FIG. 8 shows download processing different from that of FIG. 4. Thecondition for executing the processing shown in FIG. 8 is a conditionthat when the LPWA communication unit 22 executes the processing ofconfirming FOTA request information, power is supplied from the mainbattery and the TCU 11 can operate. The processing shown in FIG. 8 isprocessing to be executed instead of S1 to S5 in FIG. 4; S41 to S44 andS46 are executed by the FW update information processor unit 2203, andS45 is executed by the FW download processor unit 2204.

In FIG. 8, in S41 which is the same as S1 in FIG. 4, the LPWAcommunication module 2201 receives FOTA request information. In thestate where FIG. 8 is executed, power is supplied to the entire TCU 11.The FOTA request information may be thus received using the 3G/LTEcommunication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24 instead of theLPWA communication module 2201.

In S42, the ECU-ID, the firmware version, and the firmware size includedin the FOTA request information received in S41 are confirmed. In S43,the ECU-ID, the firmware version, and the firmware size confirmed in S41are written in the FW temporary storage unit 2202.

In S44, the communication time required when downloading the firmwareusing the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 is calculated. In thiscalculation, the communication speed when the 3G/LTE communication unit23 and the 3G/LTE base station 5 communicate with each other is assumedto be a predetermined fixed value. This fixed value can be an averagevalue of actual communication speeds. In addition, if the WLANcommunication unit 24 can communicate with the WLAN access point 6, thecommunication time required to download the firmware using the WLANcommunication unit 24 may be calculated. The processing in S44 is thesame as the processing in S4 except that the value of the communicationspeed used to calculate the communication time is different from S4.

In S45, a notification is transmitted from the LPWA communication module2201 to the server 2; the notification indicates that the firmwareupdate program is to be downloaded by the 3G/LTE communication unit 23or the WLAN communication unit 24. In S46, the FOTA request informationreceived in S41 is provided to the FW update information processor unit26.

When the processing in FIG. 8 is executed, the firmware update programis downloaded by the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLANcommunication unit 24. Therefore, the FW update information processorunit 26 and the FW download processor unit 27 execute the processingshown in FIG. 7. Note that the “communication unit 22, 23, or 24” may bealso referred to as “communicator 22, 23, or 24” or “communicationdevice 22, 23, or 24; the “processor unit 26, 27, 2203, or 2204” may bealso referred to as “processor 26, 27, 2203, or 2204”. Furthermore, theFW update information processor unit 26, the FW download processor unit27, the FW update information processor unit 2203, and the FW downloadprocessor unit 2204 may be provided to be included in one or moreprocessors (or one or more controllers). An individual one of one ormore processors may be configured to include (i) a hardware circuit, or(ii) a central processing unit (CPU) along with memory storinginstructions executed by the CPU, or (iii) both the hardware circuit andthe CPU along with memory.

[Outline of First Embodiment]

As described above, in the first embodiment, the LPWA communication unit22 performs communication using a communication system that consumesless power than data communication using the 3G/LTE communication unit23 or the WLAN communication unit 24. There is a case where the powersupply position is the off position and the power generation is thus notperformed by the engine. Under such a case, even if the LPWAcommunication unit 22 is operated, it is possible to suppress a decreasein the remaining battery charge amount.

Therefore, even if the power supply position is the off position, theTCU 11 operates the LPWA communication unit 22 repeatedly to confirmwhether the server 2 has the FOTA request information. Then, if theserver 2 has FOTA request information, the LPWA communication unit 22downloads the FOTA request information (S1, S51).

Thus, the TCU 11 can download the FOTA request information even when thepower supply position is the off position; the FW download processorunits 2204 and 27 can execute the processing related to the download ofthe firmware update program based on the FOTA request information. Thisreduces the time limit for updating firmware.

In the first embodiment, after the FOTA request information isdownloaded, if the power supply position is the off position or theaccessory position, the LPWA communication unit 22 starts downloadingthe firmware update program (S6). As a result, the download of thefirmware update program can be completed earlier than the case where thefirmware update program is not downloaded when the power supply positionis the off position or the accessory position.

In the first embodiment, suppose a case where while the LPWAcommunication unit 22 downloads the firmware update program, the powersupply position becomes the on position. In such a case, thecommunication unit to be downloaded is switched to the 3G/LTEcommunication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24. Thus, thedownload can be completed earlier than the case where the firmwareupdate program is downloaded using the LPWA communication unit 22 evenunder the state where the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLANcommunication unit 24 can be used.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the followingdescription of the second embodiment, the elements having the samereference signs as those used up to now are the same as the elements ofthe same reference signs in the preceding embodiment, unless otherwisementioned. When only some parts of the configuration are described, thepreviously described embodiment may be applied to other parts of theconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is processing executed in the second embodiment by the FW updateinformation processor unit 2203 and the FW download processor unit 2204in place of FIG. 4. Therefore, in this state, the power supply positionis the accessory position or the off position, and power is not suppliedto the TCU 11 from the main battery. Among the processing shown in FIG.9, the FW update information processor unit 2203 executes S51 to S53 andS58, and the FW download processor unit 2204 executes S54 to S57.

Here, S51 to S53 are the same processing as S1 to S3 in FIG. 4. Infollowing S54, a surplus power amount of the backup battery 21 isestimated. S54, which is an example of a surplus power estimation unit(or module) executed by the FW download processor unit 2204, executesthe processing described below to estimate the surplus power amount ofthe backup battery 21. First, the present remaining battery chargeamount of the backup battery 21 is detected. The remaining batterycharge amount may be detected by providing a remaining battery chargeamount meter IC.

After detection of the current remaining battery charge amount, thesurplus power amount can be calculated by subtracting a predeterminedminimum remaining battery charge amount required for the backup battery21 from the remaining battery charge amount. The minimum remainingbattery charge amount in the backup battery 21 means the amount of powernecessary to make an emergency call.

The following S55 and S56 are an example of the high speed downloaddetermination unit (or module) executed by the FW download processorunit 2204. In S55, the power consumption amount in the case ofdownloading the firmware update program is calculated using thecommunication unit available on the current position of the vehicle 1among the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 and the WLAN communication unit24.

In order to calculate the power consumption amount, first, thecommunication time required to download the firmware update program iscalculated. If both the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 and the WLANcommunication unit 24 can be used, a predetermined side (for example,the WLAN communication unit 24) is used. In order to calculate thiscommunication time, the communication speed of the communication unitused for downloading is required. The communication speed is set to apredetermined constant value. After the communication time iscalculated, the power consumption of the communication unit used fordownloading is calculated based on the communication time and the powerconsumption amount of the communication unit used for downloading.

In S56, it is determined whether the power consumption amount calculatedin S55 is equal to or less than the surplus charge amount calculated inS54. If this determination is NO, S4 and subsequent processing areexecuted. Therefore, the download of the firmware update program isstarted using the LPWA communication unit 22.

If the determination in S56 is YES, the processing proceeds to S57. InS57, a notification is transmitted from the LPWA communication module2201 to the server 2; the notification indicates that the 3G/LTEcommunication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24 downloads thefirmware update program. In S58, the FOTA request information receivedin S51 is provided to the FW update information processor unit 26.

Thereafter, the FW download processor unit 27 executes the processingshown in FIG. 10. Since the processing shown in FIG. 10 is the same as apart of the processing shown in FIG. 7, the same reference signs as inFIG. 7 are used. The processing shown in FIG. 10 includes S31 to S35shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, S36 is executed if the determination in S34is NO. In contrast, S36 is not provided in FIG. 10, and the processingreturns to S32 if the determination in S34 is NO. The FW downloadprocessor unit 27 executes the processing shown in FIG. 10 to downloadthe firmware update program by the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or theWLAN communication unit 24.

[Outline of Second Embodiment]

In the second embodiment, even if the power supply position is theaccessory position or the off position, the communication unit thatdownloads the firmware update program is not immediately determined tobe the LPWA communication unit 22. The surplus charge amount of thebackup battery 21 serving as a battery for supplying power to the TCU 11is estimated (S54). In addition, the power consumption amount in thecase of downloading the firmware update program by the 3G/LTEcommunication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24 is calculated(S55).

Then, if the power consumption amount is equal to or less than thesurplus charge amount, the firmware update program is downloaded usingthe 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24 evenif the power supply position is the accessory position or the offposition.

By doing this, it is possible to download the firmware update program athigh speed even if the power supply position is the accessory positionor the off position while securing the minimum remaining battery chargeamount in the backup battery 21.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 11 is processing executed in a third embodiment by the FW updateinformation processor unit 2203 and the FW download processor unit 2204in place of FIG. 4. Therefore, in this state, the power supply positionis the accessory position or the off position, and power is not suppliedto the TCU 11 from the main battery. Among the processing shown in FIG.10, the FW update information processor unit 2203 executes S61 to S63and S67, and the FW download processor unit 2204 executes otherprocessing.

Here, S61 to S63 are the same processing as S1 to S3 in FIG. 4.Subsequent S64, which is an example of a surplus power estimation unit(or module) executed by the FW download processor unit 2204, executesthe same processing as S54 in FIG. 9 to estimate the surplus poweramount of the backup battery 21.

S65, which is an example of an operable time calculation unit (ormodule) executed by the FW download processor unit 2204, calculates anoperable time for which the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 can be operatedwith the surplus charge amount calculated in S64. The operable time canbe calculated by dividing the surplus charge amount by the powerconsumption of the 3G/LTE communication unit 23.

In S66, the LPWA communication module 2201 is used to provide the server2 with a notification indicating (i) the operable time calculated in S65and (ii) the download of the firmware update program to be executed bythe 3G/LTE communication unit 23. In S67, the FOTA request informationreceived in S61 is provided to the FW update information processor unit26.

When the server 2 receives the notification due to S66 having beenexecuted, the server 2 calculates the communication speed necessary todownload the firmware update program in the operable time indicated bythe notification.

The 3G and LTE communications are best-effort communications. In thisthird embodiment, the server 2 also determines resource allocation whenthe 3G/LTE base station 5 communicates with a communication device. Theresource allocation processing may be executed by a control device otherthan the server 2.

By temporarily allocating a large number of communication resourcespossessed by the 3G/LTE base station 5 to a certain communicationpartner, the communication speed with that communication partner can betemporarily increased.

Therefore, when there are few communication devices communicating withthe 3G/LTE base station 5, the server 2 allocates, to the 3G/LTEcommunication unit 23 included in the TCU 11, communication resourcescapable of achieving the above communication speed. Then, with theallocated communication resources, the server 2 transmits a downloadstart notification instructing to start the download of the firmwareupdate program to the LPWA communication unit 22 in the TCU 11.

In S68 in FIG. 11, it is determined by periodically communicating withthe server 2 using the LPWA communication module 2201 whether or notthere is a download start notification. When the LPWA communication unit22 receives the download start notification, the determination in S68 isYES, and the processing proceeds to S69. In S69, the FW downloadprocessor unit 27 is notified that the download start notification hasbeen received. The FW download processor unit 2204 ends the processinghere.

On the other hand, upon acquiring the download start notification, theFW download processor unit 27 executes the processing shown in FIG. 10.Note that in the third embodiment, the communication unit used is the3G/LTE communication unit 23. When the FW download processor unit 27executes the processing shown in FIG. 10, the 3G/LTE communication unit23 downloads the firmware update program in a short time.

[Outline of Third Embodiment]

In the third embodiment, if the power supply position is the accessoryposition or the off position, the LPWA communication unit 22 does notdownload the firmware update program. Instead, the operable time inwhich the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 can operate is calculated usingthe surplus charge amount of the backup battery 21 (S65). Then, the LPWAcommunication module 2201 is used to notify the server 2 of (i) theoperable time and (ii) the download of the firmware update program to beexecuted by the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 (S66).

Then, the side (e.g., the server 2) providing the firmware updateprogram transmits the download start notification at the time when thecommunication speed sufficient to download the firmware update programcan be realized within the operable time.

By doing this, the communication speed by the 3G/LTE communication unit23 can be increased, so that the firmware update program can bedownloaded using the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 even with a smallsurplus charge amount.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments,and various modification examples described below are also included inthe technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, variousmodification examples other than the following can be made withoutdeparting from the gist.

First Modification Example

In the embodiments described above, the vehicle 1 is a vehicle that cangenerate electric power by driving a generator by an engine and cannotreceive the supply of the power from the outside of the vehicle 1.However, the vehicle 1 may be a vehicle capable of receiving the supplyof power from the outside of the vehicle. As a vehicle that can besupplied with power from the outside of the vehicle, for example, thereis an electric vehicle that can be charged by a commercial power source.In the case of a vehicle capable of being supplied with power from theoutside of the vehicle, the power supply state may be handled in thesame manner as the power supply position in the embodiment describedabove as the on position.

Second Modification Example

Suppose a case where a travel plan of the vehicle 1 can be predicted. Insuch a case, the FW download processor unit 27 may be allowed todownload the firmware update program using the 3G/LTE communication unit23 or the WLAN communication unit 24 as follows. Such a case where atravel plan can be predicted corresponds to a case where a guide routeto a destination may be set. In addition, the travel plan can bepredicted also in a case where a time zone during which the vehicle isparked at a fixed place such as a home can be predicted.

The FW download processor unit 27 executes download of the firmwareupdate program in a case where, in the travel plan, the vehicle 1 islocated in a place where the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLANcommunication unit 24 can be available within a time zone during whichthe power generation in the vehicle 1 or the power supply to the vehicle1 is able to be performed.

A time zone during which the vehicle 1 is traveling may be regarded as atime zone during which power generation in the vehicle 1 is possible.Suppose a case where within a time zone during which power generation ispossible in the vehicle 1, the vehicle 1 is traveling in a place withinthe communication area of the 3G/LTE base station 5 or the WLAN accesspoint 6. Such a case corresponds to a case where the vehicle 1 islocated in a place where the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLANcommunication unit 24 can be available within a time zone during whichthe power generation is possible in the vehicle 1.

Also, suppose a case where the vehicle 1 is supplied with power within afixed time zone in a fixed place such as a home. Such a case allows aprediction of a place in which the vehicle 1 is supplied with power anda time zone within which the vehicle 1 is supplied with power. Further,suppose a case where the predicted place is the communication area of3G/LTE base station 5 or WLAN access point 6. In this case, the vehicle1 is predicted to be located in a place in which the 3G/LTEcommunication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24 can be availablewithin a time zone during which power is supplied to the vehicle 1.

Third Modification Example

In the embodiments, the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 and the WLANcommunication unit 24 have been described as the high speedcommunication device. However, the high speed communication device isnot limited to the communication unit described in the embodiments. Forexample, the communication system of the high speed communication devicemay be a 5G communication system.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the communication unit thatcalculates the operable time is not limited to the 3G/LTE communicationunit 23. Another communication system may be employed which candetermine the resource allocation on the side providing the firmwareupdate program, and which has a higher communication speed than LPWAcommunication.

Fourth Modification Example

The communication unit for notifying the server 2 of the operable timeand the communication unit to be downloaded in S66 in FIG. 11 may be the3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLAN communication unit 24. Thecommunication unit that makes this notification is a predeterminedcommunication device.

Fifth Modification Example

In the embodiments, when the power supply position is the off positionor the accessory position, the TCU 11 operates with the power from thebackup battery 21. However, even when the power supply position is theaccessory position, the TCU 11 may operate with the main battery.

Further, in the second and third embodiments, a main battery may be usedas a battery for operating the 3G/LTE communication unit 23 or the WLANcommunication unit 24. In this case, the battery for estimating thesurplus charge amount is also the main battery.

Sixth Modification Example

Although the firmware is shown as an example of software in theembodiments, software other than the firmware may be updated.

For reference to further explain features of the present disclosure, thedescription is added as follows. For instance, in order to control anengine, a transmission, an air conditioner, etc., many ECUs (ElectronicControl Units) are mounted in a motor vehicle. In recent years, therehas been a demand for implementation of a function of constantlyupdating firmware stored in an ECU to the latest version by wirelesscommunication. This function is called FOTA (Firmware On-The-Air).

Such ECU firmware has become increasingly complex and large in datavolume in recent years. Therefore, FOTA is generally performed using ahigh speed public wireless line such as 3G/LTE.

However, a communication device using a high speed public wireless linesuch as 3G/LTE requires some power consumption. Therefore, the executionof FOTA with a communication device using a high speed public wirelessline such as 3G/LTE needs a state in which the battery is able to becharged (e.g., the state in which the engine is in a driving state.)

Also, software other than firmware may be updated by wirelesscommunication. Further, even when software other than firmware isupdated by wireless communication, a communication device using a highspeed public wireless line such as 3G/LTE may be used. This case alsorequires the state in which the battery is able to be charged, as in thecase of updating the firmware.

Therefore, the time for which software can be updated is limited. As aresult, there is an issue that the software is not easily updated in avehicle that has not been used for a long time.

It is thus desired to provide a vehicular software update apparatus thathas less restriction in time for software update.

Aspects of the present disclosure described herein are set forth in thefollowing clauses.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicularsoftware update apparatus used to a vehicle to update software stored inan electronic control unit mounted on the vehicle is provided to includea low power communication device, an update information processor, and asoftware download processor.

The low power communication device is configured to perform a wide areawireless communication with a low power consumption. The updateinformation processor is configured to operate the low powercommunication device repeatedly in an update confirmation stateincluding a state where neither power generation in the vehicle norpower supplying to the vehicle is performed, and cause the low powercommunication device to download software update information which isinformation necessary to update the software, when the software updateinformation is provided by a server. The software download processor isconfigured to execute processing related to downloading of the software,the processing related to downloading of the software being determinedbased on the software update information received by the low powercommunication device.

Under the above aspect, the low power communication device communicatesusing a communication system that consumes less power than datacommunication by a mobile phone. Therefore, even if the low powercommunication device is operated in a state where neither the powergeneration in the vehicle nor the power supply to the vehicle isperformed, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the remainingbattery charge amount.

The update information processor unit therefore operates the low powercommunication device repeatedly even in a state where neither the powergeneration in the vehicle nor the power supply to the vehicle isperformed. Then, when the software update information is provided fromthe server, the low power communication device is caused to download thesoftware update information.

In this way, the vehicular software update apparatus for vehicles candownload software update information even in a state where neither powergeneration in the vehicle nor power supply to the vehicle is performed.The software download processor unit can thus execute processing relatedto software download based on the software update information. Thisreduces the time limit for software update.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicularsoftware update apparatus used to a vehicle to update software stored inan electronic control unit mounted on the vehicle is provided to includea first communication device and one or more processors. The firstcommunication device is configured to perform a wide area wirelesscommunication with a power consumption less than a predeterminedthreshold value. The one or more processors are configured to operatethe first communication device repeatedly in an update confirmationstate including a state where neither power generation in the vehiclenor power supplying to the vehicle is performed, cause the firstcommunication device to download software update information which isinformation necessary to update the software when the software updateinformation is provided by a server, and execute processing related todownloading of the software, the processing related to downloading ofthe software being determined based on the software update informationreceived by the first communication device.

Furthermore, according to an optional aspect of the vehicular softwareupdate apparatus of the second aspect, an individual one of the one ormore processors may be configured to include (i) a hardware circuit, or(ii) a central processing unit (CPU) along with memory storinginstructions executed by the CPU, or (iii) both the hardware circuit andthe CPU along with memory.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicular software update apparatus used to avehicle to update software stored in an electronic control unit mountedon the vehicle, the vehicular software update apparatus comprising: alow power communication device configured to perform a wide areawireless communication with a low power consumption; an updateinformation processor configured to operate the low power communicationdevice in an update confirmation state including a state where neitherpower generation in the vehicle nor power supplying to the vehicle isperformed, and cause the low power communication device to downloadsoftware update information which is information used to update thesoftware when the software update information is provided by a server;and a software download processor configured to execute processingrelated to downloading of the software, the processing related todownloading of the software being determined based on the softwareupdate information received by the low power communication device. 2.The vehicular software update apparatus according to claim 1, whereinunder a state where neither power generation in the vehicle nor powersupply to the vehicle is performed after the software update informationis downloaded, the software download processor is configured to causethe low power communication device to download at least part of asoftware update program, which is a program for updating the software.3. The vehicular software update apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a high speed communication device configured to perform datacommunication by a communication system whose communication speed isgreater than a communication speed of the low power communicationdevice, wherein under a state where power generation in the vehicle, orpower supply to the vehicle, or both the power generation in the vehicleand the power supply to the vehicle are enabled to be performed afterthe software update information is downloaded, the software downloadprocessor is configured to cause the high speed communication device todownload a software update program, which is a program for updating thesoftware.
 4. The vehicular software update apparatus according to claim3, wherein in response to power generation in the vehicle, or powersupply to the vehicle, or both the power generation in the vehicle andthe power supply to the vehicle come to be enabled to be performed undera state where the low power communication device is downloading thesoftware update program, the software download processor is configuredto switch a communication device for downloading the software updateprogram from the low power communication device to the high speedcommunication device.
 5. The vehicular software update apparatusaccording to claim 3, further comprising: a surplus power estimationmodule configured to estimate a remaining charge amount of a batterymounted on the vehicle, and estimate a surplus power amount that thebattery is enabled to output based on (i) the remaining charge amount ofthe battery and (ii) a predetermined minimum remaining charge amountrequired by the battery; and a high speed download determination moduleconfigured to determine whether or not the software update program isenabled to be downloaded by the high speed communication device oncondition that a power consumption of the battery when power is suppliedfrom the battery to operate the high speed communication device is thesurplus power amount or less, wherein the software download processor isconfigured to cause the high speed communication device to download thesoftware update program even under a state where neither powergeneration in the vehicle nor power supply to the vehicle is performedin response to that the high speed download determination moduledetermines that the software update program is enabled to be downloadedby the high speed communication device.
 6. The vehicular software updateapparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a surplus powerestimation module configured to estimate a remaining charge amount of abattery mounted on the vehicle, and estimate a surplus power amount thatthe battery is enabled to output based on (i) the remaining chargeamount of the battery and (ii) a predetermined minimum remaining chargeamount required by the battery; and an operable time calculation moduleconfigured to calculate an operable time of the high speed communicationdevice based on the surplus power amount and a power consumption of thehigh speed communication device, wherein the software download processorconfigured to cause a predetermined communication device to notify theserver of the operable time, then operate the low power communicationdevice even in a state where neither power generation in the vehicle norpower supply to the vehicle is performed to receive a download startnotification notified by the server based on a fact that the softwareupdate program is enabled to be downloaded within the operable time, andcause the high speed communication device to start downloading thesoftware update program in response to reception of the download startnotification by the low power communication device.
 7. The vehicularsoftware update apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in response tothat the vehicle is predicted to be located in a place where the highspeed communication device is enabled to be used within a time zoneduring which power generation in the vehicle, or power supply to thevehicle, or both the power generation in the vehicle and the powersupply to the vehicle are enabled to be performed, the software downloadprocessor is configured to cause the high speed communication device todownload the software update program in the place within the time zone.8. A vehicular software update apparatus used to a vehicle to updatesoftware stored in an electronic control unit mounted on the vehicle,the vehicular software update apparatus comprising: a firstcommunication device configured to perform a wide area wirelesscommunication with a power consumption less than a predeterminedthreshold value; and one or more processors configured to operate thefirst communication device in an update confirmation state including astate where neither power generation in the vehicle nor power supplyingto the vehicle is performed, cause the first communication device todownload software update information which is information used to updatethe software when the software update information is provided by aserver, and execute processing related to downloading of the software,the processing related to downloading of the software being determinedbased on the software update information received by the firstcommunication device.
 9. The vehicular software update apparatusaccording to claim 8, further comprising: a second communication deviceconfigured to perform data communication by a communication system whosecommunication speed is greater than a communication speed of the firstcommunication device, wherein under a state where power generation inthe vehicle, or power supply to the vehicle, or both the powergeneration in the vehicle and the power supply to the vehicle areenabled to be performed after the software update information isdownloaded, the one or more processors are configured to cause thesecond communication device to download a software update program, whichis a program for updating the software.
 10. The vehicular softwareupdate apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the one or moreprocessors are configured to estimate a remaining charge amount of abattery mounted on the vehicle, estimate a surplus power amount that thebattery is enabled to output based on (i) the remaining charge amount ofthe battery and (ii) a predetermined minimum remaining charge amountrequired by the battery, determine whether or not the software updateprogram is enabled to be downloaded by the second communication deviceon condition that a power consumption of the battery when power issupplied from the battery to operate the second communication device isthe surplus power amount or less, and cause the second communicationdevice to download the software update program even under a state whereneither power generation in the vehicle nor power supply to the vehicleis performed in response to that the software update program isdetermined to be enabled to be downloaded by the second communicationdevice.
 11. The vehicular software update apparatus according to claim9, wherein the one or more processors are configured to estimate aremaining charge amount of a battery mounted on the vehicle, andestimate a surplus power amount that the battery is enabled to outputbased on (i) the remaining charge amount of the battery and (ii) apredetermined minimum remaining charge amount required by the battery,calculate an operable time of the second communication device based onthe surplus power amount and a power consumption of the secondcommunication device, cause a predetermined communication device tonotify the server of the operable time, then operate the firstcommunication device even in a state where neither power generation inthe vehicle nor power supply to the vehicle is performed to receive adownload start notification notified by the server based on a fact thatthe software update program is enabled to be downloaded within theoperable time, and cause the second communication device to startdownloading the software update program in response to reception of thedownload start notification by the first communication device.